Patentable/Patents/US-11265678
US-11265678

Configurable point of interest alerts

PublishedMarch 1, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Receiving point of interest zones and alerts on user devices comprises communicating, by a user computing device to a remote computing device, a request for point of interest data corresponding to points of interest within a proximity of the user device; presenting the received point of interest data; identifying a particular point of interest; and outputting an alert regarding the particular point of interest. Receiving point of interest zones on user devices comprises communicating a request for point of interest data; receiving the point of interest data from the remote network device wherein a size of the point of interest zone is determined based on a density of points of interest in the proximity of the user, and wherein the shape of the point of interest zone is expanded in a direction of travel and contracted in the opposite direction; and presenting the received point of interest data.

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage device having computer-executable program instructions embodied thereon that when executed by one or more computing systems cause the computing systems to deliver server-controlled point of interest alerts to user computing devices when user computing devices approach points of interest based on server-provided point of interest zones, the computer executable program instructions cause-the computing systems to perform operations comprising: receiving location data from a user computing device associated with a user account; determining a boundary of a point of interest zone based at least in part on the location data associated with the user computing device; identifying, from a database comprising points of interest, a plurality of points of interest located within the point of interest zone; and transmitting point of interest data to the user computing device, the point of interest data comprising at least a portion of a point of interest identity, a point of interest location, and point of interest marketing data for each of the identified points of interest in the point of interest zone.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 1 , the operations further comprising transmitting instructions to the user computing device to display a particular point of interest at such time as the user computing device enters within a configured range of the particular point of interest, wherein the point of interest data for the particular point of interest comprises an alert format, the alert format being determined by a configured alert procedure, the alert procedure specifying the alert format based at least in part on a number of instances that the particular point of interest has been identified in a configured period of time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for dynamically displaying points of interest (POIs) on a user computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, based on proximity and historical data. The system addresses the problem of providing relevant and timely information to users as they approach specific locations, while also adapting the presentation of that information based on user engagement patterns. The system operates by storing POI data, including an alert format, which determines how the POI is presented to the user. The alert format is dynamically adjusted based on a configured alert procedure that evaluates the frequency with which the POI has been identified or interacted with within a specified time period. For example, if a POI is frequently visited or engaged with, the system may modify the alert format to reduce redundancy or prioritize different types of notifications. Conversely, if a POI is rarely encountered, the system may enhance the alert format to increase visibility. When a user's device enters a predefined range of a POI, the system transmits instructions to the device to display the POI according to the determined alert format. This ensures that users receive contextually relevant information at the most appropriate moment, while the system optimizes the presentation based on historical usage data to improve user experience and engagement. The invention enhances location-based services by making them more adaptive and responsive to user behavior.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 2 , wherein the alert procedure resets to a beginning of the alert procedure if a configured period of time has elapsed since the alert procedure began.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage device containing instructions for generating alerts in a monitoring system. The system monitors one or more conditions and triggers an alert procedure when a predefined condition is detected. The alert procedure includes generating an alert signal and performing one or more actions in response to the alert. The alert procedure is designed to reset to its initial state if a configured period of time has elapsed since the procedure began. This ensures that the alert does not persist indefinitely and allows the system to re-evaluate the monitored conditions. The reset mechanism helps prevent alert fatigue by ensuring that alerts are not continuously active without periodic reassessment. The system may also include additional features such as adjusting the alert procedure based on user input or environmental factors, and logging alert events for later review. The invention is particularly useful in industrial monitoring, security systems, or any application where timely and controlled alert management is critical.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 2 , wherein an alert associated with the alert format comprises one or more of a visual notification, an audible alert, or tactile alert.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage device containing instructions for generating alerts in a system. The system monitors one or more conditions and triggers alerts when predefined criteria are met. The alerts are formatted to include visual, audible, or tactile notifications, or a combination thereof. The visual notifications may include on-screen displays, icons, or color changes. Audible alerts may consist of tones, voice messages, or other sounds. Tactile alerts may involve vibrations or other physical feedback. The alert format is selected based on the type of condition detected, the urgency of the situation, or user preferences. The system ensures that alerts are effectively communicated to users, enhancing awareness and response times in various applications, such as industrial monitoring, healthcare, or security systems. The storage device executes these instructions to process input data, evaluate conditions, and generate the appropriate alerts in real-time. The invention improves user interaction by providing flexible and customizable alert mechanisms tailored to different scenarios.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 2 , wherein an intensity of an alert associated with the alert format reduces with each subsequent usage of the alert procedure.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing alert notifications in a computing environment addresses the problem of alert fatigue, where users become desensitized to repeated alerts, reducing their effectiveness. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage device containing instructions that, when executed, perform an alert procedure. The alert procedure generates alerts in a specific format, such as visual, auditory, or haptic, to notify users of events or conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the intensity of these alerts based on their frequency of use. Specifically, the intensity of an alert decreases with each subsequent usage of the alert procedure, ensuring that users remain attentive without being overwhelmed by repetitive high-intensity notifications. This adaptive approach helps maintain user engagement while reducing the likelihood of alert fatigue. The system may also include additional features, such as customizable alert thresholds, user preferences, and contextual awareness, to further enhance the effectiveness of the alerting mechanism. By gradually reducing alert intensity, the system ensures that critical notifications remain noticeable while minimizing disruption from less urgent alerts.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 2 , wherein the alert procedure is managed by the user computing device.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing alerts on a user computing device involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed, perform operations to generate and manage alerts. The system includes a user computing device that receives data from one or more sensors or external sources, processes the data to detect conditions that trigger alerts, and generates alerts based on predefined criteria. The alert procedure is managed by the user computing device, meaning the device handles the generation, customization, and delivery of alerts without relying on external servers or cloud-based processing. This approach ensures that alerts are generated and managed locally, reducing latency and improving reliability, especially in environments with limited or no network connectivity. The system may also include configurable alert thresholds, allowing users to adjust sensitivity or priority levels for different conditions. The alerts can be displayed on the device's interface, sent as notifications, or triggered as audible or haptic signals. The system is particularly useful in applications where real-time, localized alert management is critical, such as industrial monitoring, personal health tracking, or environmental sensing.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. A system to receive server-controlled point of interest alerts on user computing devices, comprising: a user computing device associated with a user account comprising a processor and a point of interest alert application executed by the processor; and a point of interest location computing system comprising a processor and a point of interest location system application executing therein; the point of interest alert application configured to: communicate a request for point of interest data corresponding to points of interest within a proximity of the user computing device, the request comprising location data associated with the user computing device; and receive the point of interest data from the point of interest location computing system, the point of interest data comprising at least a portion of a point of interest identity, a point of interest location, and point of interest marketing data for each of a plurality of points of interest in a point of interest zone defined by the point of interest location system, wherein the point of interest zone is determined based at least in part on the location data associated with the user computing device; the point of interest location system application configured to: receive location data from the user computing device associated with the user account; determine a boundary of a point of interest zone based at least in part on the location data associated with the user computing device; identify, from a database comprising points of interest, a plurality of points of interest located within the point of interest zone; and transmit point of interest data to the user computing device, the point of interest data comprising at least a portion of a point of interest identity, a point of interest location, and point of interest marketing data for each of a plurality of points of interest in the point of interest zone.

Plain English Translation

A system provides server-controlled alerts for points of interest (POIs) on user devices. The system includes a user computing device with a POI alert application and a POI location computing system with a POI location system application. The user device sends a request for POI data, including its location, to the POI location system. The POI location system determines a POI zone based on the user device's location, identifies POIs within that zone from a database, and transmits POI data back to the user device. The POI data includes identifiers, locations, and marketing information for each POI in the zone. The user device receives and processes this data to display relevant POI alerts. The system dynamically adjusts the POI zone based on the user's location, ensuring timely and location-specific marketing information is delivered to the user. This approach enhances user engagement with nearby businesses or attractions by providing targeted, real-time alerts based on proximity.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the point of interest location system application is further configured to transmit instructions to the user computing device to display a particular point of interest at such time as the user computing device enters within a configured range of the particular point of interest, wherein the point of interest data for the particular point of interest comprises an alert format, the alert format being determined by a configured alert procedure, the alert procedure specifying the alert format based at least in part on a number of instances that the particular point of interest has been identified in a configured period of time.

Plain English Translation

A location-based system provides alerts to users when they approach predefined points of interest (POIs). The system includes a server that stores POI data, including alert formats, and a user computing device with a location system application. When the user device enters a configured proximity to a POI, the application receives instructions to display an alert. The alert format is determined by an alert procedure that considers how frequently the POI has been identified within a specified time period. For example, a POI frequently visited by users may trigger a different alert format (e.g., a more prominent notification) compared to a less-visited POI. The system dynamically adjusts the alert presentation based on historical interaction data to enhance user engagement or awareness. The location system application may also track user movements and interactions with POIs to refine alert procedures over time. This approach ensures that alerts are contextually relevant, reducing unnecessary notifications while highlighting significant or trending locations.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 7 , the point of interest alert application further configured to: determine whether a specified period of time has passed since the user computing device received the point of interest data; request transmission of updated point of interest data in response to a determination that the specified period of time has passed since the user computing device received the point of interest data, the point of interest data comprising a second point of interest zone; receive updated point of interest data, the updated point of interest data comprising at least a portion of a point of interest identity, a point of interest location, and point of interest marketing data for each of a plurality of points of interest in the second point of interest zone; identify a second particular point of interest at such time as the user computing device enters within a configured range of the second particular point of interest; output an alert regarding the second particular point of interest, wherein the alert comprises point of interest data for the second particular point of interest.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a system for providing location-based alerts to users about points of interest (POIs) in their vicinity. The system addresses the problem of delivering timely and relevant information to users as they move through different geographic areas, ensuring that the data remains up-to-date and pertinent to their current location. The system includes a user computing device that receives POI data, which includes identifiers, locations, and marketing information for various POIs within a defined zone. The system monitors the user's location and triggers alerts when the device enters a configured proximity to a specific POI. To maintain data accuracy, the system periodically checks whether a specified time interval has elapsed since the last data update. If the interval has passed, the system requests and receives updated POI data, which may include new or modified POIs within an updated zone. The updated data is then used to detect when the user approaches another POI, prompting the system to generate and output an alert containing relevant details about that POI. This ensures users receive fresh and contextually relevant information as they navigate different areas.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the alert format procedure resets to a beginning of the alert procedure if a configured period of time has elapsed since the alert procedure began.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing alert procedures in a monitoring or notification framework addresses the problem of ensuring timely and effective alert delivery. The system includes a monitoring component that detects events or conditions requiring attention, an alert generation module that creates alerts based on predefined criteria, and an alert format procedure that structures the alerts for output. The alert format procedure dynamically adjusts the presentation or delivery of alerts to enhance user awareness or response. If a configured period of time elapses since the alert procedure began, the system resets the alert format procedure to its initial state, ensuring that alerts remain relevant and do not become stale or repetitive. This reset mechanism prevents alert fatigue by refreshing the alert presentation, which may involve changing visual or auditory cues, delivery frequency, or other formatting parameters. The system may also include user feedback mechanisms to refine alert formatting over time. The overall goal is to maintain alert effectiveness by dynamically adapting to user interactions and time-based conditions.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the alert format comprises one or more of a visual notification, an audible alert, or tactile alert.

Plain English Translation

A system for generating alerts in a monitoring environment addresses the need for effective user notification across different sensory modalities. The system includes a monitoring component that detects events or conditions requiring attention, such as system failures, security breaches, or operational thresholds. When such an event is detected, the system triggers an alert to notify users or administrators. The alert format is configurable to include one or more of a visual notification, an audible alert, or a tactile alert. Visual notifications may include on-screen messages, flashing indicators, or graphical displays. Audible alerts can be tones, voice messages, or other sounds. Tactile alerts may involve vibrations or haptic feedback, particularly useful for wearable devices or mobile applications. The system ensures that alerts are delivered in a manner that is perceptible and appropriate for the user's context, improving response times and reducing missed notifications. This multi-modal approach enhances accessibility and effectiveness in diverse environments, such as industrial control systems, medical monitoring, or cybersecurity applications.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein an intensity of an alert associated with the alert format reduces with each subsequent usage of the alert procedure.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing alert notifications in a monitoring or alerting environment reduces the intensity of alerts over time to prevent user desensitization. The system includes a monitoring component that detects events or conditions requiring attention, an alert generation module that creates alerts in response to detected events, and an alert delivery mechanism that presents alerts to users. The system further includes an alert procedure that defines how alerts are formatted and delivered, including visual, auditory, or haptic feedback. The alert intensity, such as volume, brightness, or frequency, is dynamically adjusted based on the number of times the alert procedure has been used. Each subsequent usage of the alert procedure reduces the intensity of the alert, ensuring that repeated alerts do not overwhelm or desensitize the user. This adaptive approach helps maintain alert effectiveness while reducing unnecessary disruptions. The system may also include user feedback mechanisms to further refine alert intensity adjustments based on user responses or preferences.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the alert procedure is managed by the user computing device.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing alerts in a computing environment addresses the challenge of efficiently handling and customizing alert notifications across multiple devices. The system includes a user computing device that generates and processes alerts, such as notifications or warnings, based on predefined criteria. These alerts may originate from various sources, including applications, sensors, or network services, and are tailored to the user's preferences or operational requirements. The user computing device is responsible for executing an alert procedure, which determines how alerts are presented, prioritized, or escalated. This procedure may involve filtering alerts based on relevance, urgency, or user-defined rules, ensuring that only critical or pertinent notifications are displayed. The system may also support customization options, allowing users to adjust alert settings, such as frequency, format, or delivery method, directly from the computing device. By managing alerts locally, the system reduces reliance on external servers or centralized control, improving responsiveness and user control over notifications. This approach is particularly useful in environments where real-time alert handling is essential, such as industrial monitoring, healthcare, or security applications. The system ensures that alerts are processed efficiently while maintaining flexibility for user-specific configurations.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. A computer-implemented method to deliver server-controlled point of interest alerts to user computing devices, comprising: receiving, using the one or more computing devices, location data from a user computing device associated with a user account; determining, using the one or more computing devices, a boundary of a point of interest zone based at least in part on the location data associated with the user computing device; identifying, using the one or more computing devices from a database comprising points of interest, a plurality of points of interest in the point of interest zone; and transmitting, using the one or more computing devices, point of interest data to the user computing device, the point of interest data comprising at least a portion of a point of interest identity, a point of interest location, and point of interest marketing data for each of the plurality of points of interest in the point of interest zone.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for delivering server-controlled alerts about nearby points of interest to user devices based on their location. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic, location-based notifications that provide relevant information about nearby businesses, landmarks, or other points of interest without requiring manual user input or pre-defined search parameters. The method involves receiving location data from a user device associated with a user account. A server then determines a boundary for a point of interest zone based on this location data. The system identifies multiple points of interest within this zone by querying a database containing such locations. Finally, the server transmits data about these points of interest to the user device, including identifiers, locations, and marketing information for each relevant point of interest. The system dynamically adjusts the alerts based on the user's real-time location, ensuring timely and contextually relevant notifications. This approach enhances user engagement with nearby businesses or attractions by providing automated, location-aware marketing and informational content.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14 , further comprising transmitting, using the one or more computing devices, instructions to the user computing device to display a particular point of interest at such time as the user computing device enters within a configured range of the particular point of interest, wherein the point of interest data for the particular point of interest comprises an alert format, the alert format being determined by a configured alert procedure, the alert procedure specifying the alert format based at least in part on an number of instances that the particular point of interest has been identified in a configured period of time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for dynamically displaying points of interest (POIs) to users based on proximity and historical data. The method addresses the problem of providing relevant and timely information to users as they navigate physical spaces, ensuring that alerts are both contextually appropriate and not overly intrusive. The system uses one or more computing devices to monitor the location of a user computing device, such as a smartphone or wearable. When the user device enters a predefined range of a particular POI, the system transmits instructions to display the POI to the user. The display format of the alert is dynamically determined by an alert procedure, which considers the frequency of past interactions with the POI. For example, if a POI has been identified multiple times within a configured time period, the alert format may be adjusted to reduce redundancy or emphasize urgency. The alert procedure ensures that users receive meaningful notifications without excessive repetition. The method also involves storing and retrieving POI data, including historical interaction metrics, to refine alert strategies. This adaptive approach enhances user engagement by balancing information delivery with user experience, making it particularly useful in navigation, tourism, or location-based marketing applications.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 14 , further comprising: receiving initial user account configuration from the user computing device; and establishing a database of points of interest for the user account and one or more offers associated with one or more of the points of interest.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing user accounts in a location-based service system. The method addresses the problem of efficiently organizing and personalizing points of interest (POIs) and associated offers for users. The system receives initial user account configuration data from a user computing device, which may include preferences, location data, or other relevant information. Based on this configuration, the system establishes a database of POIs tailored to the user account. The database includes one or more offers associated with specific POIs, allowing users to access relevant promotions or discounts at those locations. The method ensures that the user's account is dynamically configured to reflect their interests and preferences, enhancing the relevance of the POIs and offers presented. This approach improves user engagement by providing personalized and location-specific recommendations, streamlining the process of discovering and utilizing offers at nearby or preferred locations. The system may also integrate with mapping or navigation services to provide seamless access to the POIs and offers.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 15 , wherein the alert procedure resets to a beginning of the alert procedure if a configured period of time has elapsed since the alert procedure began.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented alert systems designed to monitor and manage alerts within a network or computing environment. The problem addressed is the need to ensure that alert procedures do not persist indefinitely, which can lead to system inefficiencies, resource waste, or missed critical events due to stale or unresolved alerts. The method involves an alert procedure that automatically resets to its initial state if a predefined period of time has elapsed since the procedure was initiated. This reset mechanism prevents alerts from remaining active beyond their intended duration, ensuring that the system remains responsive and that alerts are properly managed. The reset function may involve clearing temporary data, reinitializing variables, or restarting the alert process from the beginning, depending on the system's requirements. The alert procedure may include steps such as detecting an event, generating an alert, and performing actions like logging, notifying administrators, or triggering automated responses. The reset feature ensures that if an alert remains unresolved or unacknowledged for the configured time, the system reverts to a fresh state, allowing for proper handling of new or recurring events. This approach improves system reliability and reduces the risk of alert fatigue or system overload due to lingering alerts. The method is particularly useful in environments where timely alert management is critical, such as cybersecurity, network monitoring, or industrial control systems.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 15 , wherein an alert associated with the alert format comprises one or more of a visual notification, an audible alert, or tactile alert.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented alert systems designed to enhance user awareness of critical events or conditions. The method involves generating and delivering alerts in multiple sensory formats to ensure effective communication, particularly in environments where users may be distracted or unable to perceive a single type of notification. The system detects an event or condition that triggers an alert, then formats the alert to include one or more of a visual notification (e.g., on-screen pop-ups, flashing lights), an audible alert (e.g., sounds, voice messages), or a tactile alert (e.g., vibrations, haptic feedback). The alert format is selected based on the nature of the event, user preferences, or environmental factors to maximize user responsiveness. This approach improves reliability in alert delivery, ensuring users receive notifications regardless of their current sensory focus or physical limitations. The method may be integrated into software applications, IoT devices, or industrial monitoring systems where timely alerts are critical for safety or operational efficiency. The invention addresses the problem of missed notifications by providing redundant alert channels, reducing the risk of critical information being overlooked.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 15 , wherein an intensity of an alert associated with the alert format reduces with each subsequent usage of the alert procedure.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to alert systems in computing environments, specifically addressing the problem of alert fatigue where repeated alerts lose effectiveness due to overuse. The method involves generating alerts in a predefined format, such as visual, auditory, or haptic signals, to notify users of specific events or conditions. The key innovation is that the intensity of the alert diminishes with each subsequent usage of the alert procedure. For example, if an alert is triggered multiple times in a short period, the volume, brightness, or frequency of the alert may decrease progressively to avoid overwhelming the user. The system may also include mechanisms to reset the alert intensity after a certain period of inactivity or upon user acknowledgment. This approach ensures that alerts remain noticeable but do not become intrusive or ignored over time. The method may be applied in various contexts, such as software applications, industrial monitoring systems, or medical devices, where sustained attention to alerts is critical. The invention improves user experience and system efficiency by maintaining alert effectiveness while reducing unnecessary disruptions.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 15 , wherein the alert procedure is managed by the user computing device.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing alerts on a user computing device addresses the problem of inefficient alert handling in distributed computing environments. The invention provides a decentralized approach where the user computing device, rather than a central server, controls the alert procedure. This includes generating, processing, and displaying alerts based on predefined criteria, reducing latency and dependency on network connectivity. The method involves receiving alert data from one or more remote sources, analyzing the data locally on the user device, and determining whether an alert should be triggered based on user-defined rules or system parameters. The device then executes the alert procedure, which may include visual, auditory, or haptic notifications, and logs the alert for future reference. The system also allows for customization of alert thresholds and response actions, enabling users to tailor notifications to their specific needs. By offloading alert management to the user device, the invention improves responsiveness and reduces server load, making it particularly useful in applications requiring real-time monitoring, such as industrial automation, healthcare, or security systems. The method ensures alerts are processed efficiently even in low-bandwidth or offline scenarios, enhancing reliability and user experience.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

April 5, 2018

Publication Date

March 1, 2022

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